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For Educators: Military Resources

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

Median Salary
59,300
Job Outlook
+3%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of craft and fine artists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 4,900 openings for craft and fine artists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$24,960

10%

$59,300

Median

$135,160

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Some college

    37%

  • Bachelor's degree

    35%

  • High school

    27%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Art/Art Studies, General
  • Fine/Studio Arts, General
  • Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other
  • Visual and Performing Arts, General
  • Intermedia/Multimedia
  • Painting
  • Ceramic Arts and Ceramics
  • Sculpture
  • Printmaking
  • Drawing
  • Medical Illustration/Medical Illustrator
  • Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Design
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Fine Arts
  • Production and Processing
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Artistic

You love creating things and expressing yourself through art, writing and music.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.